Garment and head protector and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A flexible garment is used to protect the wearer&#39;s clothing, head, neck and upper torso from unwanted transfer of cosmetic make-up, hair products and oils and other bodily substances as well as protect make-up and hair from being disturbed while changing clothing, comprising a single piece of material having two semi-circular bands affixed into tubes on two opposite sides or edges of the material. The object of the invention is to provide a more secure, effective and simple to use design that may be worn during application of facial cosmetics, make-up and hair products, and then converted quickly and effectively into a protective covering.

REFERENCES CITED

U.S. Pat. No. 7,578,008 B2 Aug. 25, 2009 Hunter et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,887 Feb. 2, 1999 Kozawa U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,100 Feb. 2, 1988 Greer U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,027 Jul. 3, 1984 Gladstone U.S. Pat. No. 2,017,328 May 29, 1933 A. E. Taylor

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicants and Inventors Daniel Musto and Tanya Hekimian herein claim the benefit of priority from and of their U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/755,093 (GARMENT AND HEAD PROTECTOR AND METHODS OF USE), filed Jan. 22, 2013.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

SPECIFICATION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the protection of garments, cosmetic application and protection of hair designs, and more specifically to a single layer of flexible material with two semi-circular bands used to cover the shoulders and torso area of the wearer during application of make-up and preparation of hair, and then be converted into a garment, hair and make-up protector apparatus while clothing is changed.

2. Background of the Invention

A problem exists in the entertainment, cosmetic and apparel arts during preparation for a special event, film shoot or other presentation, namely that facial cosmetics and make-up transferred onto or smeared onto the exterior of clothing when persons are changing clothing or outfits. Similarly, once make-up and hair have been carefully prepared, they may also be disturbed by the need to change outfits or apparel. Prior efforts to solve these problems have mainly included hoods that go over one's face and hair after cosmetics are applied, and therefore continue to create problems of make-up transfer to garments, dis-array of hair designs, etc. However, these problems and others are solved by the instant invention.

Likewise, a common problem in the fields of commercial film-making, videography, photography and modeling is keeping professionally applied make-up pristine between sets or ‘takes’. Likewise, a similar problem is removing these cosmetic products from numerous clothes and outfits that are tried on in sequence as required by an art director or other production director. These problems are further magnified when on location and far from a make-up studio. Having to fix smudged make-up and/or remove stains from clothing may extend the time needed to complete photographic work, thus increasing rental costs for sets, studio time, hourly wages and rented equipment.

Another area in which make-up transfer remains a problem is in the area of bridal events or other special occasions. Persons with a need to avoid cosmetic smudging or transfer include both brides and their bridal parties. Given the growing expense of wedding clothing and professional make-up artists who may be independently hired for such events, a simple, effective and yet decorative way to prevent make-up transfer would be highly desirable among professional make-up artists. Smudges and transfer of cosmetics, oil and hair products may be avoided include trying on expensive bridal gowns for selection, changing from street clothes after a professional make-up and hair session into a bridal gown, or changing from the bridal gown into special reception clothing.

Likewise, in a medical environment such as an emergency room, clinic or hospital, a person may present with cuts, infections or other unsanitary material on their head, neck or upper torso. If the situation is non-emergent, it may be desirable to use the disclosed device to protect the wearer (and also medical staff) from the unwanted transfer of materials to and from the wearer's head, hair, neck and upper torso).

Prior attempts to solve these problems have been inadequate in a number of ways. For example, many of these efforts have merely been temporary hoods that only can be used during the changing of clothes and are not intended or capable of use for during make-up application to protect the clothes. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,017,328; 4,457,027; 4,722,100; 5,864,887; and 7,578,008 B2. Several of these attempts appear as bags tied over the wearer's head, which may prove uncomfortable and cause claustrophobic feelings. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,017,328; 4,457,027; 4,722,100; and 5,864,887. These earlier attempts are also more tight and restrictive around one's head, potentially disturbing complicated or delicate hair designs. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,017,328; 4,457,027; 4,722,100; and 5,864,887. The present invention solves these problems in way that combines the ability to protect clothes from hair while changing garments but in addition protecting clothes during make-up application and protecting hair designs at the same time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Using a section of flexible material and two appurtenant bands in opposite corners of the cloth, the present invention is used in one position to protect the wearer from the transfer of make-up, cosmetics and hair products to various outfits and in other positions to protect the wearer's make-up and hair when garments are changed. First, it is worn as a cover or shawl for the application of make-up and preparation of hair designs. The present invention is folded in layers and worn as a shawl over the shoulders such that when make-up application is complete, one of two connector bands is lifted up over the wearer's face and head. There it is fastened into the hair or on the top and sides of the head. When in this second position, clothing may be put on or removed without simultaneously smearing cosmetics or transferring cosmetics onto the wearer's clothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternative Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings and figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic protector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in the first phase of its use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cosmetic protector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in a side view during the first phase of its use.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cosmetic protector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in the second phase of its use.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cosmetic protector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in a side view during the second phase of its use.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cosmetic protector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown as being moved from the first “down” phase to the second “up” phase.

FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of a cosmetic protector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cosmetic protector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in a side view during the third phase of its use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates generally to the protection of a wearer's head, hair, neck and face from unwanted transfer, smudging or staining due to contact with cosmetic make-up, hair products or other bodily substances and more specifically to a single layer of folded material with two enclosed and affixed interior semi-circular bands appurtenant to the ends of the material and used to cover the shoulders and torso area of the wearer during application of make-up and preparation of hair, and which is then easily converted into a garment, hair and make-up protector apparatus while clothing is changed.

The present invention also relates generally to the protection of garments, cosmetic application and protection of hair designs, and more specifically to a single layer of cloth with two semi-circular bands used to cover the shoulders and torso area of the wearer during application of make-up and preparation of hair, and then be converted into a garment, hair and make-up protector apparatus while clothing is changed.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the present invention is a protective device that can be utilized in several positions or phases. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first position which also may be described as the “down” phase.

In FIG. 1, the material 3 comprises a large section of cloth, mesh, fabric or other thin, flexible sheet covering the wearer upper torso including the shoulders, chest and lower neck. Band 1 is shown connected to and on one the upper edge of material 3, and is flexibly and partially surrounding the front portion of the neck of the wearer. Band 2 is shown partially in a cut-away view underneath material 3, similarly on the bottom edge of material three, holding up material three against the shoulders, chest and lower neck. Band 2 is also flexibly and partially surrounding the front portion of the neck of the wearer.

FIG. 2 demonstrates a detail of the side view of the protective device in the “down” phase. Material 3 is shown as folded having top face 4 and bottom face 5, with the Band 2 on the bottom of and underneath Band 1. Tubes 6 and 7 flexibly made into a circular or oval shape into which Bands 1 and 2 respectively are placed, slid, affixed or sewn. Bands 1 and 2 are comprised of any material that is partially flexible so that it may open to be placed around the neck of the wearer, and yet sufficiently stiff to retain its shape and position when material 3 is pulled out and away from the neck or tugged upon. The preferred embodiment consists of semi-stiff plastics. Other embodiments include curved and shaped balsa wood, veneers, semi-rigid plastic, stiff elastic, carbon-fiber, resins, phenolic resins, bakelite plastics, stiffly coated ribbon or any material or fabric that has a relative stiffness and rigidity that is greater than the type of material used for material 3.

FIG. 3 is a front cut-away illustration that shows the protective device in one embodiment of the second position or phase, the “up” phase. This view shows how material 3 is placed to partially cover the front of the wearer's face, head, hair, neck and upper torso by taking Band 1 and fixing, placing or setting it into the wearer's hair. Band 2 is shown remaining fixed on the front portion of the wearer's neck. This embodiment leaves delicate hair designs in the back of wearer's head to remain undisturbed, while still protecting garments and facial cosmetics from being disturbed. FIG. 4 is a side view of the “up” phase demonstrating the relative positions of Band 1 and Band 2 on the wearer's head, neck and hair. FIG. 5 demonstrates how the wearer may adjust the device from completion of the “down” phase in which cosmetics and hair designs are applied to one embodiment of the “up” protective phase with a simple motion. In the preferred embodiment, material 3 is translucent or partially see-through such that the wearer's vision can penetrate material 3 to fully or partially observe and see the placement of Band 1 and the surrounding environment.

As demonstrated in FIG. 6, internal to material 3 is a semicircular tube 6 and 7 made out of material 3 into which a semicircular and partially flexible band 1 is slid, sewn or fixedly set. Tubes 6 and 7 are placed on the outer edges of material three and in the middle of each such edge. Tubes 6 and 7 are also opposite each other relative to the edges of material 3.

In the preferred embodiment, the material comprising tubes 6 and 7 may be made separately from material 3 and affixed, sewn or otherwise placed onto material 3. Further, the ends of tubes 6 and 7 may be sewn, snapped, zipped or otherwise closed.

In another embodiment, tubes 6 and 7 remain partially or fully open so that material 3 may be separately cleaned and washed. In a further embodiment with tubes 6 and 7 partially or fully open, tubes 6 and 7 are proportionately sized such that different sized bands may be inserted such that a variety of neck sizes made available to comfortably fit the wearer.

In another embodiment, tubes 6 and 7 may be placed onto material 3 with Velcro bonded on one side to material 3 and on the other side to tubes 6 and 7 respectively. In another embodiment, tubes 6 and 7 may be placed onto material three using semi-permanent adhesives, glues, epoxies or other similar connective materials.

In the preferred embodiment, material 3 (and tubes 6 and 7 if made separately and affixed appurtenant thereto) itself is made of translucent cloth such as chiffon or silk which may be decorative in nature. In another embodiment it may be made of bridal-cloth materials for use in weddings and other special events. It may also be semi-transparent such that the wearer may see through the apparatus when it is in the second “up” position.

Other materials used for material 3 may include silk, organza, mesh, lace, bunting, cambric, crinoline, georgette, gabardine, linen, marabout silk, satinet, lightweight taffeta. Other materials that may be used for material 3 include thin cottons, very thin woolen materials and very thin worsted cloth. Yet further materials may include temporary or ‘one-use’ materials such as paper, paper with a plastic coating, tissue or other disposable materials. Such disposable would make the protective apparatus useful and cost-effective in retail clothing stores, malls and outlet bridal salons. In yet another embodiment, the material may be made of hygienic, anti-allergic, septic or anti-bacterial material to protect those with allergies or chemical sensitivities.

FIG. 7 demonstrates another embodiment of the second or “up” phase where Band 1 is moved such that it is placed on the back of the wearer's neck, and were material 3 is placed completely over the head and hair of the wearer. Band 1 in this embodiment is partially slid around the wearer's neck and is placed on top of Band 2. In another embodiment, if there is a sufficient amount of material 3 to reach, Band 1 may go over Band 2 or under Band 2, as long as it is around the neck of the wearer.

These foregoing drawings and descriptions relate to and comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art that these embodiments are illustrative of the invention only, and that various other alterations, modifications and alternatives may be made within the scope of the present invention. 

The following is claimed:
 1. A garment protector comprising a cover, a first tube attached longitudinally along the circumferential edge of the cover, a first curved band inserted into the tube and secured therein, a second tube attached longitudinally along the circumferential edge of the cover that is immediately opposite to the first tube, and a second curved band inserted into the tube and secured therein.
 2. A garment protector as defined in claim 1 wherein the cover is flexible.
 3. A garment protector as defined in claim 1 wherein the cover is made of cloth.
 4. A garment protector as defined in claim 1 wherein the cover is made of hygienic material.
 5. A garment protector as defined in claim 1 wherein the cover is made of material intended for disposal after one use.
 6. A garment protector comprising a cover, a first tube comprised of a portion of the edge of the cover folded over onto itself to form a hollow space by affixing the distal end of the cover to the cover itself and positioned lengthwise, parallel to and longitudinally along the circumferential edge of the cover, a first curved band inserted into the first tube and secured therein, a second tube located on the opposite edge of the cover as the first tube and comprised of a portion of the edge of the cover folded over onto itself to form a hollow space by affixing the distal end of the cover to the cover itself and positioned lengthwise, parallel to and longitudinally along the circumferential edge of the cover and a second curved band inserted into the second tube and secured therein.
 7. A garment protector as defined in claim 6 wherein the cover is flexible.
 8. A garment protector as defined in claim 6 wherein the cover is made of hygienic material.
 9. A garment protector as defined in claim 6 wherein the cover is made of material intended for disposal after one use.
 10. A garment protector as defined in claim 6 wherein the cover is washable.
 11. A garment protector comprising a cover, a first tube attached longitudinally along the circumferential edge of the cover, a first curved band inserted into the tube and secured therein, a second tube attached longitudinally along the circumferential edge of the cover that is immediately opposite to the first tube, and a second curved band inserted into the tube and secured therein.
 12. A garment protector as defined in claim 12 wherein the first and second band are flexible.
 13. A garment protector as defined in claim 12 wherein the first and second bands are stiff.
 14. A garment protector as defined in claim 12 wherein the first and second bands are generally of a size and shape to be placed comfortably around the neck of the wearer and yet still allowing the cover to retain a folded position on a person's neck such that the cover extends across the wearer's clothing.
 15. A garment protector as defined in claim 12 wherein the first and second bands are removable.
 16. A method for protecting selective elements of wearer during the application of cosmetics onto wearer such that unwanted transference of cosmetics onto wearer is prevented and instead transference occurs onto one horizontal surface of a flexible cover having two flexible curved bands on opposite edges and that attach to wearer so that they are movable into different positions that protect a selected element of wearer and remain folded over so that transferred cosmetics are only found on one flat side of the flexible cover.
 17. A method for protecting cosmetics from coming into contact with wearer by applying a large, flat flexible cloth having two tubes into which two curved bands are inserted, placing the first band around the wearer's neck in a semi-circular fashion so that it retains its position once in place; folding over the cover so that the second band is on the upper end of the folded cover; placing the second band around the wearer's neck in a semi-circular fashion so that it retains its position on wearer's neck; wherein the second band can be removed and placed up and over a wearers' head and affixed to the back of the neck as needed to protect wearer. 